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The genre of this course is the Novel (duh) Novel- extended prose narrative that focuses on characters in the framework of a plot *There are lots of genres of novels…

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Novel Genres… A.Picaresque- social underdog has humorous adventures and comments on society B.Historical- uses setting/characters/ situations from history and builds on them C.Social- depicts how people acted in a certain time period (Novel of Manners) D.Metaphysical- deals with the “Truth”; usually religion or philosophy E.Bildungsroman- (German=formation) coming of age, growing up F.Psychological- deals with the workings of the mind (mental disorders or struggles)

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G.Traditional Romance- ADVENTURE (not love) Modern Romance- sex and love H.Gothic- deals with supernatural event and dark mood/setting I.Science Fiction- explores the possibilities of this and other worlds J.Epistolary- series of letters or diary entries K.Propaganda- encourages readers to take a certain point of view L.Utopian/Dystopian- deals with the complications of mankind in the “perfect” (utopian) or “imperfect” (dystopian) world

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3. Historical/Biographical Criticism Looks at the literature as a result of the author’s life and times… Ask… –Is the author’s biographical info used in the story? –Does the author try to portray a certain historical time period or his own time period? –How was the literature received by critics when it was published? Today?

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Other psychological principles seen in literature… A.The Oedipus Complex Inappropriate desire for the parent of the opposite sex B.Parental Rebellion Rebelling against parents (especially the father) to assert individuality/power C.Phallic Symbols Items in the literature symbolizing the penis – usually to assert power/manhood D.Oral/Anal Fixations Characters have a need to constantly occupy the mouth (smoke, chew, eat) or are compulsively detail obsessed

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5. Myth/Archetype Criticism Myth- every civilization everywhere tells stories (ancient times to today) Archetype- universal symbols in stories that carry the same meanings no matter when or where they are used These can be images, themes, patterns or characters